SYDNEY MUBAIWA
BIKITA- In a bold move that blends faith and community development, one of the biggest indigenous churches in the country, Zion Christian Church (ZCC) Moria recently celebrated the commissioning of Mazengwa Mission Hospital in Bikita District.
The hospital which was built through the partnership of Wa Josiah Foundation Trust and the Zion Christian Church (ZCC) Moria in Zimbabwe under the leadership of Bishop Simon Mazengwa is set to improve access to healthcare services to villagers in Ziki and surrounding communities.
Speaking during the ceremony, Bikita District Development Coordinator (DDC) Benard Hadzirabwi applauded the church for championing meaningful developments which benefit local communities complementing government efforts.
“As government, we appreciate this milestone achievement which will go a long way in addressing healthcare challenges in Ziki and other communities in Bikita District.
“The church has supported government’s response in addressing healthcare challenges in communities and with this commendable achievement, I can picture a solution for unemployed youths in and outside the church,” he said.
Speaking at the same event, ZCC Moria’s Information and Publicity Officer Justin Josiah Mazengwa, said the church’s aim in building the hospital was to complement government efforts to take healthcare services to remote areas
He cited President Mnangagwa’s mantra of leaving no one and no place behind. He further echoed the President’s mantra that “nyika inovakwa nevene vayo” – the nation is built by its own people.
Mazengwa added that, the new healthcare facility which is fully registered with the Ministry of Health and Child Care will offer free services to the community.
He also appealed for more development projects in the area, particularly Gudo and Zirabada Secondary schools, noting that pupils are currently walking long distances to access secondary education.
The commissioning also marked the inauguration of Bishop Simon Mazengwa who previously served as the church’s Chief Priest from 1974 following the passing of his father Josiah Mazengwa.
The event was attended by several dignitaries and senior government officials including area legislator Energy Mutodi, Dr Lloyd Makonese, Deputy Director in the Ministry of Health and Child Care who was representing Minister of Health Dr Douglas Mombeshora.
Also present was Chief Ziki and representatives from local schools.
ZCC Moria continues to be active in community development. The church is currently mobilising resources to establish a Regional Centre in Mutema Town, Manicaland Province.
The opening of Mazengwa Mission Hospital marks a major milestone in improving access to healthcare services for communities in Bikita district.
Churches previously focused on their two fold Mission of winning souls and shepherding the sheep, however a number of churches across the country are complementing government efforts in championing community developments through construction of schools, hospitals, colleges and universities.
Several other churches have also ventured into income- generating projects for economic empowerment.
In the Old Testament, the Levities used to sorely depend on tithes for their livelihoods as directed by God (Numbers 18:21).
In the New Testament, Jesus encouraged entrepreneurship and community empowerment as evidenced in the parable of talents in Mathew 25:14-30.
Evidently, the church has a key role to play in community transformation across the globe.
